There are two types of voltage references: shunt references and series references. One must determine which reference is more beneficial regarding their certain application. Therefore, examining the operations, advantages, and disadvantages of each reference can assist in the decision-making process between the two types of voltage references.
Series Voltage Reference
A series voltage reference is a voltage reference with three or more terminals, where the load is added in series to the reference voltage. Advantages of a series voltage reference include: a low dropout and the ability to supply large load currents with high accuracy.
Shunt Voltage Reference
A shunt voltage reference has two terminals where the load is added in shunt to the reference voltage like in bandgap circuit voltage reference types. Advantages of shunt voltage references include simpler implementation and the ability to accommodate for large supply variations.
Vidatronic offers a portfolio of voltage references in a variety of process nodes.